West Brom ramp up pursuit of Ao Tanaka as £4.2m development emerges at Fortuna Dusseldorf
West Brom have an “increased interest” in Fortuna Dusseldorf and Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka, according to Rheinische Post.
The German newspaper reported via their print edition on Friday (28 July, page D4) that Tanaka, 24, is also wanted by West Ham, Fulham and Albion’s Championship rivals Leicester.
It is understood that a deal for Tanaka to leave Fortuna isn’t imminent but due to an “extremely dynamic” transfer window in Germany, things could change quickly.
No chance
We doubt West Brom will be signing many players this month, especially ones that involve a transfer fee.
Tanaka is contracted to Fortuna until 2025 and a £4.2million release clause in that deal expired at the end of May, Rheinische Post claims.
The 2. Bundesliga season starts this weekend with Fortuna taking on Hertha Berlin on Saturday (29 July) and it’s unlikely they’ll be easily tempted into a sale.
Tanaka played 25 times in all competitions for them last season, scoring one goal and supplying three assists from the centre of the midfield.
He also scored for Japan in their famous World Cup win over Spain in Qatar before a serious knee injury ended his 2022/23 campaign early back in April.
West Brom were clearly impressed by Tanaka’s form at Fortuna in the first half of last season, as well as his performances in the World Cup because The Telegraph reported on 20 June that a bid had been made for the ex-Kawasaki Frontale midfielder in January.
That offer was reportedly rejected but due to the lack of funds being made available for transfers this summer, it’s unlikely that a renewed offer will be made.
In other West Brom news, Conor Townsend admits one of his teammates could be sold.